Lights Camera Jackson: Latest ‘Apes’ has great appeal

This photo released by Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation shows Jason Clarke, as Malcolm, foreground, and, background from left, Andy Serkis, as Caesar; Toby Kebbell, as Koba; and Karin Konoval, as Maurice; in a scene from the film, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.”
AP Photo - Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” rebooted the classic franchise with a new origin story. While not as action-packed as expected, it was still one of the most successful movies of the summer. Now, three years later, “Dawn” raises the bar as one of the edgiest and most satisfying action films of the year.

Serkis is officially the King of Motion Capture thanks to another completely convincing and awards worthy performance as ape leader Caesar. From his subtle facial expressions, daring movements and wide range of emotional displays Serkis/Caesar elevate this franchise to new heights.

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It’s been 10 years since the deadly virus, initially tested on apes, began to spread around the world. Nearly the entire population has died or soon will. A small group of immune survivors are living in San Francisco, but their time is running out as they are short on fuel and food. Leader Dreyfus (Oldman) has a plan: Get the city’s old power plant working again. The only problem is it’s in ape territory, where Caesar, his family and thousands of others are living peacefully away from the humans. When a team sent to investigate the condition of the plant, led by Malcolm (“Zero Dark Thirty”’s Clarke) and Ellie (Keri Russell) stumbles upon the ape community, “Dawn” quickly becomes a captivating cat-and-mouse game of trust and betrayal between and among the two sides.

Director Matt Reeves (“Cloverfield”) does a great job of taking us inside the ape community. He establishes Caesar as both a strong leader and proud husband and father. And the sign language skills taught to him by in “Rise” are now being used by all the apes. But Caesar and a few of the other apes can also speak English, and as these primates soon learn, becoming more human-like has its pluses and minuses.

Reeves doesn’t hold back with the multi-layered dramatic elements. There are some perfectly executed twists and surprises along with some pure, out-of-control action sequences. A few pivotal scenes are a little forced and rushed, and the score, a bit of a retro homage to the original “Apes” movies, feels out of place here. But overall, this is a serious, and seriously rewarding summer blockbuster.

LCJ Rating: B+

Also in theaters:

“Earth to Echo” (PG) Awful “E.T.” knock-off. F

“Tammy” (R) McCarthy, her fans deserve better. C

“Transformers: Age of Extinction” (PG-13) Franchise brought back to life. C+

“Jersey Boys” (R) Hits range of notes. B-

“22 Jump Street” (R) Right on target. B

“How to Train Your Dragon 2” (PG) Soars, seriously. B+

“Chef” (R) Simple entree with stellar ensemble menu. B-

For all of LCJ’s reviews go to lights-camera-jackson.com and follow him on Twitter @LCJReviews.